Solving Frozen Water Bucket Nightmares at the Barn

Dealing with frozen buckets has to be one of the most miserable barn chores out there. I recall spending hours in the freezing cold, attacking iced-over buckets with hammers or hoof picks and leaving them turned over in the sun, hoping the big blocks of ice would melt enough to slip out. Not only was it a pain, but I also broke multiple buckets in the process. I had to keep back-up buckets for when the main ones were frozen solid. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Flatback Water Bucket from Schneiders

I finally decided to install Schneiders’ 5 gallon flatback heated water buckets. I have a two stall barn, and put two buckets in each stall. They were larger than my other buckets but I could still fit them in the same mounted holders. I drilled holes in my stall wall so I could feed the cord through. This was one of the best decisions I ever made. My heated buckets never froze over – even on the coldest nights. No electricity? No problem. The next best solution would be to install High Country insulated bucket holders, tested to not freeze down to 15°F.

Dura-Tech® Ice Breaker & Strainer

Water for turnout is another issue entirely. I have two solutions – either ditch your regular turnout water trough for Schneiders’ 16 gallon heated tub, or try the Dura-Tech® Ice Breaker & Strainer. The ice breaker is the most economical way to address the problem – plus you don’t have to worry about cords to heat a tub. The ice breaker and strainer is made of sturdy aluminum so you can break through the ice, while the mesh net allows you to remove the broken chunks without getting wet. The Dura-Tech® Ice Breaker & Strainer beats a sledgehammer and wet gloves any day. (For a video demo of the ice breaker, click here.)

Let’s not forget the dogs and cats! Keep their water from freezing with this heated pet bowl. It holds a whole gallon of water and is made in the USA.

I hope my frozen water solutions from sstack.com are helpful to you! They’ve made my winter much more bearable, and hopefully will ease yours as well! Check out these other barn chore solutions from Schneider Saddlery so you can make short work of winter! Or check out this video demonstrating the best ways you can beat the cold!